UK: MP Rupert Lowe objects to Bengali signboard at London's Whitechapel Station, Elon Musk agrees with him

Rupert Lowe, the Great Yarmouth MP, shared an image of the Whitechapel Station and wrote: "This is London - the station name should be in English, and English only."

Tech Entrepreneur Elon Musk also joined the debate and backed his demand and wrote in the comment section: "Yes."

Why a Bengali signage installed at the station?

In 2022, a Bengali signage was installed at Whitechapel Tube station to pay tribute to the Bangladeshi community that stays in the region.

The area is considered home to the biggest Bangladeshi community in the country.

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee had welcomed the initiative and wrote on X: "Proud to note that the London Tube Rail has accepted Bengali as a language of signage at Whitechapel Station, signifying the increasing global importance & strength of the 1000-year old language Bengali. "

Rupert Lowe's comment triggers a debate online

Rupert Lowe's demand triggered a debate online with several users disagreeing with him.

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One Sameer wrote: "Why only the station name? Let’s only use English everywhere on non-international stations. I mean, UK exited the EU, didn’t it? Why have Euro languages on English station?!"

Another wrote: "Here's a sign for Gerrard Street in London's Chinatown. There's a Cantonese translation. It's been there for decades? Is that a problem?"

One social media user said: "This is discrimination.. why one over the other if we have an official administration language, which is English. Either all are listed (impractical) or the main one BRITISH ENGLISH."

Another said: "I assume you have a problem with English signs in Wales then?"